Neil Champney

Sun 7 June 2020 11:30, UK

As far as Leeds United transfer speculation goes, it doesn’t get much stronger than a club chairman himself confirming interest in a player.

After the Daily Mail suggested that the Whites are one of a number of clubs who are keen on teenage Peterborough United hitman Ricky-Jade Jones, Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony then confirmed the news via his official Twitter account.

When asked by a supporter if the Whites had made a move or the starlet in January, MacAnthony responded: “Yes, I think they scoop lots of U21 players up but it was a short chat as we don’t sell teenage talent unless it’s big money.

“Think Baz [director of football Barry Fry] had call from somebody who recruits for [Leeds’] U21s. All good.”

But after being knocked back once, should Leeds look to rekindle their interest in the youngster?

He’s certainly an exciting prospect.

According to Sky Sports News, he can run the 100m in just 10.9 seconds – only a second slower than Linford Christie’s all-time British record.

Impressively, he also has four strikes in 16 senior outings so far this term, and even netted against Premier League outfit Burnley in the FA Cup.

Admittedly, some of his stats leave a little to be desired.

So far this season he has a total action success rate of just 27.4%, as well as a dribble success rate of 34.5%, as per Wyscout.

As a point of reference, Patrick Bamford has a total action success rate of 42.4% and a dribble success rate of 40.2% this term.

But that doesn’t mean that Jones should be written off just yet.

Firstly, he is still on 17, and is already competing at a decent level of senior football.

Secondly, a closer look at him in action proves just what a threat he can be.

This is a shot map of Jones’ recent efforts on goal for Posh.

Not only does he have an accuracy rate of 80%, but he has managed to score three of his last five shots.

That is seriously impressive, whichever way you look at it.

His goal against Ipswich Town back in December also hints at a special player.

Jones bursts onto the ball in midfield with acres of space ahead of him but with a lot left to do as well.

The first thing you notice about him is that lightning pace.

There’s no two ways about it, the boy is rapid.

After carrying the ball for a decent distance, causing his defender to back away in the process, the teenager then faces a decision.

As pictured above, he has the option to slide a pass through to his teammate, giving him a good run at goal and almost certain shooting opportunity.

In fact, that’s probably what you would expect the vast majority of young players to do in that situation.

But instead, Jones backs himself, and shows the confidence and composure to carve out a shooting chance himself.

Jones shows great awareness to shift the ball onto his stronger right foot, and decides to shoot early.

By doing so, he doesn’t allow the keeper time to set himself properly, and the fact that he is able to slot it through the defender’s legs is an added bonus that leaves the stopper unsighted further.

It’s a great finish, and one that you wouldn’t ever expect from a 17-year-old in that position.

Sure, he’s got a lot of growing and learning left to, and snapping him up wouldn’t be easy with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool also said to be keen, but if we could land him, Jones could be a real prospect for the future.

In other Leeds United news, ‘No hiding place’ – Prutton claims ‘blunt’ Bielsa could swing axe during Leeds United promotion push.